Acne (Zits) is the skin curse of many people around the world; Fortunately, skin care treatments are plentiful. Research into the causes, and possible treatments, for the condition is ongoing; the result of this effort is new, more effective, treatments are becoming available. Despite the number of acne skin care products currently available on the market, they are broadly categorized into three distinctly separate groups: <UL TYPE="square"> *Drugstore or Internet: Preventative medication *Over-the-counter *Specialized, on-prescription acne products </UL

Preventative products are formulated to treat the skin in an effort to control the occurrence of acne; these products can be anything from skin cleansers to makeup removers. Many people these days use products like this to maintain their skin; often this is irrespective of whether or not there is a problem condition. More specialized cleaners are designed in the same way as acne skin care products; they work by limiting the production of sebum/oil and prevent clogging of skin pores. These skin care products are designed to prevent this from happening.

Other skin care treatments can help exfoliate the skin; most are readily available over the counter at drug stores or even online. They work by reducing oil plus other contaminants from the skin and in the pores; this can reduce harmful bacteria and stop their chance of growth. There are specialized acne skin care products available over-the-counter, they do not require the need of a prescription. Treatments that are effective contain the ingredients benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid; they work by removing the excess oil from the skin and halt the growth of acne.

It is often a good idea to start with a product that has lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide (e.g. 5 percent) to see how the skin responds; alpha-hydroxy-acid based moisturizers are a safer skin care regime alternative if there is a problem. It might just be a case of trial and error to find an acne skin care product that works; however, if finding an effective remedy it is proving to be a problem then consult with your doctor, or skin care specialist. If you do need to see your doctor or skin care specialist then he may give you a prescription for antibiotics or special ointments.

Under certain circumstances, having the infected material removed from the pores under a local anesthetic may be suggested by your dermatologist; although this is a minor procedure, if it were performed by the person themselves it could result in skin damage. Hormone treatment might be suggested as hormone changes can cause skin problems; hormone changes can be responsible for acne but hormone therapy can be very effective when used under prescription. Positive research means that a sufferer does not have to put up with this condition anymore.